significant obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant obstacles" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a challenge or difficulty that must be overcome. For example, "The project faced several significant obstacles before it could be completed successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Undoubtedly, significant obstacles to sustained growth remain.

The New York Times

Yet the Davies recommendations face significant obstacles.

Independent

But there will still be significant obstacles.

The New York Times

Hulu must still overcome some significant obstacles.

The New York Times

"There are still very significant obstacles to long-term growth.

The New York Times

But progress is slow, and significant obstacles remain.

The New York Times - Sports

But Villaraigosa faced significant obstacles that they did not.

The New Yorker

Gemstar faces significant obstacles to a full merger, however.

The New York Times

But there are still significant obstacles to overcome.

The New Yorker

It held extensive hearings and produced voluminous evidence that minority voters continue to face significant obstacles.

The New York Times

But he still faced significant obstacles, not least of which was his unglamorous address.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant obstacles", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being obstructed and why the obstacles are considered significant. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "significant obstacles" for minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the challenges genuinely have a major impact or far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant obstacles" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant obstacles" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote notable challenges or difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently employed in news, science and formal contexts. When using the phrase, writers should ensure that the scale and impact of the described obstacles warrant the term "significant". Alternatives such as "major impediments" or "formidable challenges" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. By paying attention to context and avoiding overuse, writers can effectively leverage "significant obstacles" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major impediments

Replaces "obstacles" with "impediments" and "significant" with "major", emphasizing the importance of the challenges.

substantial barriers

Substitutes "obstacles" with "barriers" and "significant" with "substantial", highlighting the restrictive nature of the difficulties.

considerable hurdles

Uses "hurdles" instead of "obstacles" and "considerable" instead of "significant", portraying the challenges as tests that need to be overcome.

formidable challenges

Replaces "obstacles" with "challenges" and "significant" with "formidable", stressing the demanding nature of the difficulties.

notable difficulties

Changes "significant" to "notable" and uses "difficulties" to describe issues.

serious setbacks

Emphasizes the negative impact of the "obstacles" by using the term "setbacks" and stressing its "serious" consequences.

key constraints

Focuses on the limitations imposed by the "obstacles" by framing them as "constraints" that are "key".

principal hindrances

Replaces "obstacles" with "hindrances" and "significant" with "principal", pointing to the issues that delay or prevent something.

major stumbling blocks

Uses the idiom "stumbling blocks" to replace "obstacles", signifying the issues that cause one to falter.

critical impediments

Substitutes "obstacles" with "impediments" and highlights the importance by using "critical"

FAQs

How can I use "significant obstacles" in a sentence?

You can use "significant obstacles" to describe substantial challenges. For example: "The project faced "significant obstacles" due to budget constraints." or "Significant obstacles remain in the path to peace."

What are some alternatives to "significant obstacles"?

Alternatives include "major impediments", "substantial barriers", or "formidable challenges", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very significant obstacles"?

While not strictly incorrect, "very significant obstacles" can be seen as redundant. The word "significant" already implies importance or consequence; consider using alternatives like "major" or "formidable" to emphasize the scale of the challenges instead.

What's the difference between "significant obstacles" and "minor challenges"?

"Significant obstacles" suggests substantial impediments that can seriously hinder progress. "Minor challenges", on the other hand, refers to smaller, more easily overcome difficulties that pose less of a threat to overall success.